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BAHUMUTSI - Azikho! (1991)

Tusk/Diamond, TUH21

Producer: M. Maponya

Engineer: Lee Short

Recorded at: RPM Studios

A notable member of South Africa's anti-apartheid musical theatre scene during the 80s (alongside the works of Amandla, Mbongeni Ngema and others), the Bahumutsi Drama Group was established in 1977 by playwright Maishe Maponya. They used the Moravian church hall in Diepkloof, Soweto to perform plays in the township between tours of Europe. As they grew in stature they set up their own label to release Busang Meropa: Bring Back The Drums in the UK in 1987. Azikho! features the musical talents of Fuya Nofuya (guitar), Maile Maponya (piano, flute and synths), Zenzi Mbuli (congas), Vuyisile Sabango (sax and synths) and Nhlanhla Ngubeni (bass), as well as guest appearances from Bayete's Themba Mkhize (Sakhile) and Sello Mphatsoane. It's soulful, uplifting, modern African jazz. Includes the unforgettable refrain: "Shit! I never knew I was a hypocrite!"